Dr. James Andrews vouches for Cyrus Kouandjio's knee

Cyrus Kouandjio’s pre-draft experience has been anything but smooth. After a poor performance at the combine, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Kouandjio had failed physicals for several teams due to an arthritic knee.

But things are starting to looking up for the big man. Famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews said he sent a letter to all 32 teams saying the former Alabama standout’s knee was healthy, reports CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.

“I’m trying to put out fires that aren’t even justified and to clear the record, I guess, is the best way to put it,” Andrews told CBSSports.com. “It came out he had a failed ACL surgery — that’s not even close to the truth. His performance at the combine had nothing to do with his knee situation, and that was blown way out of proportion and that’s not fair to the kid.”

Andrews did not operate on Kouandjio but said he had reviewed the medical records before concluding that Kouandjio’s knee was just fine.

Andrews did not perform Kouandjio's 2011 ACL/MCL surgery but has evaluated him the last 3 years, including this week, says surgery was fine

Kouandjio’s situation is similar to what Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei went through last year. At the combine, a medical exam revealed some issues with Lotulelei’s heart. An MRI administered weeks later showed that nothing was wrong with Lotulelei’s heart, however.

The Panthers got a steal in last year’s draft after heart concerns caused Lotulelei to drop to the 14th pick. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.

But the damage had been done. Lotulelei, who had been projected as a Top-10 pick, dropped to the Panthers with the 14th pick.

Things would eventually work out for both Lotulelei and Carolina. The former Utah Ute played on a talented defensive line and enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign. The Panthers got the steal of the first round and a key cog in their second-ranked defense in points and yards allowed.

If Kouandjio’s knee scares off teams despite Andrews’ endorsement, a lucky team could reap the rewards with a value pick. Picking at 29 and having just lost left tackle Jordan Gross to retirement, the Panthers could be that team for a second straight year.